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Hawaii House speaker formally reprimands Hanohano

HONOLULU — Hawaii House Speaker Joseph Souki has formally reprimanded a House lawmaker for conduct during public hearings and threatened her committee assignments.

Souki said Thursday in a letter to Rep. Faye Hanohano that he would remove her from all committee assignments if she is disruptive, disrespectful or discourteous.

Souki said the reprimand comes after two people complained the Democratic lawmaker was disrespectful and intimidating during a hearing. Souki says the behavior lessened public confidence in the integrity of the House.

Hanohano did not immediately return a message seeking comment from The Associated Press.

Hanohano, a Democrat representing Puna, sits on five House committees. She is chairwoman of the Ocean, Marine Resources and Hawaiian Affairs Committee.

Souki said House leadership will monitor Hanohano for the rest of the legislative session.